[category]
[title]
The first solar eclipse of 2026 will take place this Tuesday. According to the Time and Date site, South Africa will experience a partial solar eclipse from 13:21 SAST to 16:03 SAST.
The moon will partially cover the sun for just under three hours, depending on location.
According to several publications, only 8% of the sun in Johannesburg will be covered by the moon.
NASA science states that the oldest recorded eclipse in human history may have been on November 30, 3340 B.C.E. Since then, the rare alignment of the sun has remained a fascinating celestial display.
Joburgers are urged to take safety precautions and not view the partial eclipse directly without proper protection, as it can damage their eyes.
According to NASA, even dark glasses are not safe for viewing the sun.
Phones should also not be used to view the eclipse. The exercise could harm both the device and your eyes.
"Do not look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury," states NASA.
It recommends using certified solar eclipse glasses or safe indirect viewing methods.
"You can make your own eclipse projector using a cardboard box, a white sheet of paper, tape, scissors, and aluminium foil. With the Sun behind you, sunlight will stream through a pinhole punched into aluminium foil taped over a hole in one side of the box," states NASA.
Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, WITS University released the following safety tips for viewing the partial eclipse:
Several online stores and retail stores in the city sell certified solar eclipse glasses.
If you are in Johannesburg and want to enjoy the experience with a community, Stargazing with Vic's Telescopes is running a partial solar eclipse viewing at Casalinga in Muldersdrift. Attendees will get to watch a safe, up-close solar experience for R180 ticket.
RECOMMENDED
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!